This superb trip combines some of the best cycling routes in Vietnam with time to explore this beautiful country with its long coastline of broad, sandy beaches, shimmering paddy fields and mountains cloaked in forests. Our route takes us from the vibrant streets of Saigon northwards to the more conservative capital Hanoi. There is time to relax in the lively beachside town of Nha Trang and enjoy laid-back Hoi An with its wooden merchant houses, pagodas and bustling market. Finally, we take a cruise around the incredible seascape of Halong Bay with its limestone spires rising directly from the sea.

Cycling profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

35.0km/21.7miles

Day 3

50.0km/31.1miles

Day 4

60.0km/37.3miles

Day 5

100.0km/62.1miles

Day 7

90.0km/55.9miles

Day 8

30.0km/18.6miles

Day 10

80.0km/49.7miles

Day 11

25.0km/15.5miles

Number of days cycling: 8

Pace: Moderate: 13-16km/8-10miles an hour

Terrain: Low altitude; 100% tarmac

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon is an exciting and absorbing city where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Saigon is now a bustling free market city where anything goes. The Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral are within easy walking distance from our hotel and are highly recommended.See more images and videos

2Day 2A mix of driving and cycling to the Cu Chi tunnels.

This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to fine-tune the bikes. The tunnels were Viet Cong sanctuaries, used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240 kms of tunnels. Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for tourists, but even so it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! If you prefer not to visit the tunnels you can have an unguided free day in Saigon. Places of interest include: the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunification Hall), Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum. Ride approx. 35 km.See more images and videos

3Day 3Drive towards the coast and cycle to Mui Ne.

After an early breakfast we head out of Saigon by bus and start our cycling towards Mui Ne on the coast. We spend approx 4-5 hours on the bus today. We hit the backroads and head through tropical fruit and rubber plantations, also passing some small fishing villages as we make our way closer to the coast. We finish the ride in Mui Ne, a tranquil white sand beach where we can enjoy a swim after the day's riding and witness our first sunset over the South China Sea. Ride approx. 50 km.See more images and videos

4Day 4Cycle to Dalat in the Central Highlands.

We cycle towards Dalat; the route is undulating with occasional climbs. Along the way we pass coffee and tea plantations, as well as flower gardens and pine forests as we reach higher altitude. We rejoin the bus before the road climbs steeply to the mountain town of Dalat. We spend approx 3.5 hours on the bus today. Dalat is a pleasant hill station, formerly known as Le Petit Paris, and has been described as the most beautiful town in Vietnam. It was favoured by the French for its climate, and is now a popular honeymoon resort for the Vietnamese. Ride approx. 60 km.See more images and videos

5Day 5Cycle through Bidoup N.P. to Nha Trang and the beach.

Today's ride is predominantly downhill through pine forests and paddy fields as we descend nearly 1,500m travelling through the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park. This area is home to rare pine forests as well as small villages inhabited by the ethnic minority people of the central highlands. Once we arrive at the coast, we head by bus (approx 1.5 hours) to Nha Trang. This beachside town is idyllic, with swaying palms, golden sands and the beautiful deep blue water of the South China Sea. Ride up to 100km according to preference.

Having a rest from the bikes today, we take a boat trip around the islands offering a chance to swim and snorkel around the many reefs. This is a wonderful experience with stunning views of the mountainous coastline that lies to the north of Nha Trang and an opportunity to eat some of the freshest seafood available. Those not fancying the boat trip can relax on the beach, have a massage, go scuba diving or ride off to other nearby beaches such as Hon Chong, a fishing village lined with coconut palms, mango and banana plantations.See more images and videos

7Day 7Drive to beautiful Dai Lanh Beach; coastal ride to Quy Nhon.

We set off early in the morning for the ride to the beautiful fishing village of Dai Lanh. A short transfer out of town past the Po Nagar Cham towers brings us to a high point and from here today's ride is predominantly flat. The beautiful beach at Dai Lanh is a perfect place to stop for a swim and lunch before continuing by bus around the spectacular coastal cliff road towards the town of Tuy Hoa and on to Quy Nhon. (Approx 4 hours in the bus today). Ride up to 90 km according to preference.See more images and videos

Leaving Quy Nhon we travel through a new economic zone over the Thi Nai Peninsula and Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam. Getting off our bikes we will visit a market, where its not unusual to be pulled aside for a photo as this part of the country does not see many western tourists. The coast line features secluded bays, sand dunes and beaches with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the South China Sea. We will cycle until we arrive at Phu Ly and then drive to Hoi An. If time permits, we will cycle the last 12 km once we turn off Highway 1 into Hoi An.
Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-sixteenth century is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market. We spend two nights in Hoi An which is also a fantastic place to buy local art or have some clothes tailor-made for you. Its best to bring a picture or a sample of what you want made. Approx 6 hour in the bus today. Ride approx. 50 km.See more images and videos

9Day 9Sightseeing in Hoi An; free afternoon.

This morning we take a guided walking tour of Hoi An to explore some of the structures of historical significance in the Old Town, including bridges, temples, wells and houses. Those less interested in architecture can cycle the 5km to the lovely Cua Dai beach or cycle to the Marble Mountains, which are 19 km from town. These five marble hills, formerly islands, contain many caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Vietcong) sanctuaries. Also nearby is China beach, a famous US R & R spot in the war, and Danang where there is a Cham Museum, which despite being in poor condition, is very interesting. It is also possible to visit My Son, one of the most important Cham temple sites in Vietnam, where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are a number of interesting stone towers and sanctuaries.

10Day 10Ride over the spectacular Hai Van Pass; cycle and drive on to Hue.

Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue. The route passes over the spectacular Hai Van Pass the 'Pass of the Ocean Clouds'. The views are stunning though those who prefer to avoid the 580m climb can always take a lift in the support vehicle. Once at the top it will all seem worth it as you plummet back to the ocean, then continue through small villages and timeless rural scenes to the outskirts of Hue, from where we transfer to our city centre hotel. Approx 2.5 hours in the bus today. Ride approx. 80 km.See more images and videos

11Day 11Explore Hue and surroundings by bike and boat; overnight train to Hanoi.

Hue claims to be the cultural and historic centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. We take a guided tour of the city and surrounding tombs. The most memorable site is the citadel, with walls six miles in length: inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. Then we take a boat along the Perfume River to the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. Tu Duc's Tomb is very elaborate and set in beautiful gardens, along the way we will visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government protest in the early 1960s and it houses the Austin car that transported a monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Saigon in 1963 where he burned himself as a protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers all around the world.
In the afternoon we will board the Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 600km to the north. Ride approx. 25 km.See more images and videos

We usually arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and stop for a local breakfast and a stretch of the legs, before we are met by our bus for an approximately 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery, stopping to swim and kayak in the sea, allowing us to get to places inaccessible by boat (weather permitting) and enjoy a seafood lunch on board.

13Day 13Return to Hanoi; city tour including the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and the Old Quarter.

We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi, and take a sightseeing tour of the city: this will include visits to the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and the Old Quarter of the city. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings, and the atmosphere is completely different from that in Saigon in the south, mainly due to the much more conservative nature of the North Vietnamese. Also, unlike its industrial counterpart, the centre of Hanoi has a faded charm with broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period as well as some attractive lakes and pagodas. In the evening there is the option to enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 10 lunches, 1 dinner

All accommodation

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Airport transfers

What's not included

Local bike hire (GBP95 paid on booking)

Travel insurance

Single accommodation - GBP250 (hotel nights only)

Accommodation details

Hotels, Boat & Sleeper Train

We use mostly 3-star hotels, all nights are en-suite except on the sleeper train between Hue and Hanoi. One night will be spent on-board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay, the best way to soak up the landscape of this UNESCO site while star-gazing at night.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Nearly all nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam, and this must be obtained prior to departure. For further information see the FCO website and look at 'Entry Requirements' under 'Vietnam'.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria.
Malaria prophylaxis is suggested and we advise that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Holiday style

This trip is classified road and graded B. Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure for more important information on classification and grading. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us.
Average daily distance: 70km (43 miles)
No. of days cycling: 8
Vehicle support: 90%.
Terrain and route: surfaces are nearly all good tarmac. The route is flat with the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass. Vietnam can be hot and humid, but rests and water are on hand. You should be comfortable riding in traffic on occasions.This is a busy trip but anyone not wanting to cycle all day can use the support vehicle.
Mountain bikes are ideal for this trip and flat bars are preferable, but a good strong tourer will suffice (though make sure you have suitably low gearing).

Eating & drinking

Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialized products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialized dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home; high energy snacks are not readily available locally. For snacks and drinks during the rides, a kitty is normally arranged (see extra expenses).

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day usually between 28 and 34degC. It is only a little cooler at night.

There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between.

Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain). There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely that the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.

If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension, the weather will be hot and humid all year round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower.

The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho!

Gallery

Reviews & community

It was with a little trepidation that I set off with my wife to Ho Chi Minh City to begin a two week cycling holiday in Vietnam. Fears were quickly dispelled as we met Chi, our guide, and our fellow cyclists. From Day 1 it was fairly obvious our group was going to get on and so it proved. A age range from 23 to 68 didn't create any issues, we were all reasonably fit and shared an outgoing sense of fun and adventure. There were even a few tears as we all parted company in Hanoi having enjoyed an adventure together which will live long in our memories.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think pushing myself up the Hai Van Pass, a climb of over 500 metres, and hearing the cheers of our group as each of us reached the top of the pass. Then plunging at ridiculous speeds down the mountain towards Hue.

What did you think of your group leader?

Chi was quite simply the best group leader we could have hoped for. He was protective when he needed to be, informative at all times, answered all our questions with knowledge and patience. Anyone lucky enough to get Chi as a guide will be rewarded with an inspirational leaded, an extremely well organised individual and a wonderfully warm human being.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Whilst months of pre holiday heavy duty training will not be necessary, the better your body is prepared so the more enjoyment you will get from your holiday. Don't try to be the centre of attention, let the group dynamics sort themselves out. If our group was typical everyone will get along fine. Whilst the weather for us in January and February was perfect we did have a wet day with a head wind where a light cycling jacket would have been handy. If chaotic traffic unnerves you, pack a few sedatives or a blindfold!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't wait too long if you're thinking about Vietnam or Cambodia, they are beautiful people living extremely happy lives which they invite tourists to share. It can't stay that way for long. I am so glad my wife talked me into this holiday, it was probably the most memorable holiday I have ever spent and I can't rate Exodus too highly. From our guide Chi to Lee, our tail end Charlie, from Dan the truck driver to Than, the bus driver, everything and everyone combined to forge a faultless holiday.

My first cycling holiday- hopefully not the last. This was a great way to see the best of Vietnam in the company of a great group. I had not been on a holiday with a group I did not know before and although most of the group were much younger than me I feel I have made lots of new friends.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of the Hai Van pass was the highlight of the trip for me. I never thought I would make it and being cheered on by the group as I reached the top was a very special moment, However, there were many wonderful moments ...seeing all the children who cheered us on as if we were super stars, negotiating our way out of Dalat in the traffic, eating lovely local food.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Chi was the best. He was well organised, informative and funny. Nothing was too much trouble. The rest of the support team were also excellent. Our bikes were ready for us each morning, our water bottles were filled at each stop, We were also provided with fresh fruit and snacks at each stop and we were literally given a push up the hills if we were struggling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

My padded shorts were invaluable. It was helpful to have two pairs as they did not always dry overnight when I washed them. Also a light waterproof top or fleece would have helped so that it can be removed and carried if the weather improves. We got very wet one day and not much would have helped. However we changed when we reached the bus and it was not cold.,We were provided with lots of snacks and drinks every 20 km but I would have preferred a camelbak to a bottle to enable me to cycle without stopping for a drink as I went as I could not get my bottle back in the holder without stopping. We needed hats and gloves at Halong Bay as well as fleeces and coats but this would depend on the time you are there. It was also cooler in the evenings and long trousers did not go amiss. A camera is a must!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think the description of the cycle from Dalat should mention that there is a fair climb before the downhill stretch. For me this was harder than the Hai Van pass possibly because I was not expecting it to be so strenuous. This is a great holiday for all ages, couples and singles. Fitness is important as is biking experience. Although some of the group had done less cycling than others their fitness levels were high and this enabled them to cope with the cycling. The bus was always their as a backup if you did not feel up to the cycling.

I loved every minute of the tour. The cycling is amazing, and quite challenging at times, and Vietnam is a beautiful country to visit. A great mix of cycling and sight seeing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling to the top of the Hai Van Pass and having my tour group buddies there to cheer me over the finish line. And then the exhilarating ride down the other side was pretty amazing too.

Being surrounded by many fit and adventurous people is really inspiring.

What did you think of your group leader?

Chi was so warm and friendly. It was lovely to spend 2 weeks with him, and learn about Vietnam through him. He's also great cyclist who pushed the fittest riders (not me!) to challenge themselves. The rest of the Exodus support crew were amazing as well - very good at their jobs of driving, mechanics, setting up drink stops, and also really friendly and a lot of fun.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Definitely take padded shorts. Two pairs is enough, 3 is plenty, and you can wash them overnight and get laundry done fairly frequently.

If you're a slower rider like me, then you might benefit from having a camelback drink bladder so that you don't have to stop to drink water or to take your eyes off the road to grab your bottle. It's 20kms between scheduled water stops, and sometimes I felt like I didn't want to pull over to have a drink because I didn't want to be miles behind the rest of the group. I didn't have a camelback but I will get one before my next cycling tour.

If it's going to be a particularly hot time of year, also bring some electrolyte tablets to put in your water while you're cycling. It's just added insurance against dehydration. It makes a nice change from plain water as well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You will enjoy the tour a lot more if you have worked on your fitness beforehand. I commute daily on my bike so I thought I would be fine, but I found the longer rides and the consecutive days quite challenging. You do have the option of jumping in the bus for 20km stretches if you need to, but it's much more enjoyable and fulfilling if you can do all of the cycling.

Growing up in a flat part of Ireland wasn't the most obvious starting point for a love of mountains and travel, but it's something which has been with Brendan since he first made it to Nepal 15 years ago. These days, he still tries to squeeze in a yearly trip to some corner of the globe but managing both the Customer Operations team and a young family (not at the same time) keep his hands pretty full!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

How difficult is the cycling in Vietnam?

It varies day to day, but on average you will do 40km - 60km (sounds like a lot but you'll get used to it quite quickly!). The longest day we did was about 95km, and the shortest just 20km. It can be quite warm so drinking plenty of water is essential. There are a few days with some steep hills but the support bus is always nearby for anyone who wants to take a break and avail of the air-con. A lot of the roads are straight, flat and pretty quiet, passing through countryside filled with small towns and villages - expect lots of waving and "Hello hello!".

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Any shopping tips for Vietnam?

There are some great local crafts you can buy throughout the trip, all hand made and very reasonable. For anyone interested in getting some clothes made, Hoi An is the place to do it. The local tailors can usually turn garments around in a a day or so, and you can pick up some bespoke items for a fraction of what they would cost at home. Just leave some room in your luggage!

Diane Knight - Sales

What vaccinations do you advise for South East Asia?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

What's the standard of accommodation like in SE Asia?

The hotels are of a very good standard, roughly comparable to a 2/3 star standard with air conditioning, spacious rooms and centrally located. Because certain areas have only opened up to tourism relatively recently, in the past 15 years or so, most of the hotels are newly built but in a traditional style. More remote areas can also have slightly more basic facilitiers, but these are usually more than compensated for by the location.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

How much do you spend on food in SE Asia?

On average, a lunch should cost no more than £3 and dinner up to £10 including drinks. The standard and quality of the restaurants is very good while still retaining a traditional ambience. In the more remote locations, it's amazing how the local people can prepare such delicious meals!

Diane Knight - Sales

Vietnam articles

Staff member Imran Arshad, recently travelled to Vietnam, and you can read his article here to get a personal viewpoint of the area.

Can I get a Vietnamese visa on arrival?

No, it must be gotten in advance. We suggest applying for the visa at least six weeks before departure. It is normally valid for 30 days and will ask for your entry and exit days. You can add the exact dates or, because you can use the whole 30 days, you can put the start date down as a week before you're due to get there and extend it for 30 days beyond that. This way you are covered in case there is any changes to your plans. Either way is fine.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What is Vietnamese food like?

Like a lot of South East Asia, Vietnam meals consist mainly of rice, vegetables and frilled or stir fried meat. The staple dish is Pho, which is a noodle broth with veg and meat. You can buy it off many small roadside stalls very cheaply, as well as the more established restuarants you will be visiting during the trip. Due to the French colonial influence, another item you shouldn't miss is the fresh baguettes, filled with cheese, pate or meat, again available from small stalls in most towns.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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